The study was led by Housing Associations’ Charitable Trust (HACT).
New social tenancies can generate a value of £11,639, according to a three-year study commissioned by Shelter Scotland.
The study was led by Housing Associations’ Charitable Trust (HACT), who worked with tenants and social housing providers over three years to measure how securing a social tenancy has transformed households’ health, wellbeing, and life circumstances, such as economic and employment status.
By applying the UK Social Value Bank model, the study calculated that each new social tenancy in Scotland can generate on average £11,639 in social value within just six months of a tenant moving in.
This figure includes a £990.44 saving to the public purse and £10,648 in wellbeing value to the tenant, who benefits from improved opportunities such as securing employment, better health, transport connections, and reduced housing costs, thanks to their new social home.
But despite this clear benefit, figures published in June by the Scottish Government showed social house building was at its lowest level in a decade.
Shelter Scotland warned the continued decline in social housing delivery was an inevitable consequence of repeated budget cuts and decades of underinvestment.
Alison Watson, director of Shelter Scotland, said: “As 2.3 million adults in Scotland are impacted by the housing emergency, we know social homes provide security, affordability and stability, resulting in positive social, economic and health outcomes. In turn, the cost to the public purse of the negative consequence of poor housing is reduced. This is why the next government needs to make social housing a priority.
“Investing in social housing means investing in people’s health and in our communities. Delivering more social housing is the only way to get the 10,360 children in Scotland out of temporary accommodation and into forever homes. So, ultimately, investing in social homes is also investing in Scotland’s future.”
Frances Harkin, HACT head of services, added: “Social housing services in Scotland are seeing higher demand than ever before. However, there’s a real gap in understanding the impacts of providing suitable, quality and affordable housing and the wrap-around services provided by social landlords.
“Social housing tenancies are driving improvements in social, economic and health outcomes in residents, and where these are achieved there is huge capacity for significant preventative savings to wider society.
“We’re delighted to partner with Shelter Scotland to measure the tangible benefits of social housing, particularly the impact of new tenancies. This research is crucial in demonstrating its true value and ensuring it informs strategy and decision-making moving forward.”
